ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

16 Dead in Strikes as Chernobyl Anniversary Highlights Nuclear Risks of Russia-Ukraine War

other · 2026-04-26

In a series of strikes across Ukraine, areas under Russian control, and within Russia itself, at least 16 lives have been lost. This tragic event coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, reigniting fears about military threats near the site amid Russia's ongoing invasion, which has persisted for over four years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that "Russia, through its war, is once again pushing the world towards a man-made catastrophe." In Dnipro, regional leader Oleksandr Hanzha reported that nine people died due to Russian drone and missile attacks. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike in Sevastopol resulted in one death, and a Ukrainian attack in Luhansk claimed three lives, with earlier reports indicating two fatalities. Additionally, a woman was killed in a Ukrainian drone strike in Russia's Belgorod region.

Key facts

  • At least 16 people killed in strikes across Ukraine, Russian-occupied territory, and Russia.
  • 40th anniversary of Chernobyl nuclear disaster highlighted nuclear risks from attacks near the plant.
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky said Russia is bringing the world to the brink of a man-made disaster.
  • Death toll from Russian strikes on Dnipro rose to nine, said regional head Oleksandr Hanzha.
  • One man killed in Ukrainian drone strike on Sevastopol, Crimea, according to Moscow-installed authorities.
  • Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, using it as a staging point during the war.
  • Leonid Pasechnik reported three killed in Ukrainian drone strike on a village in Luhansk region.
  • A woman was killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's Belgorod border region.

Entities

Institutions

  • Associated Press

Locations

  • Ukraine
  • Russia
  • Chernobyl
  • Dnipro
  • Sevastopol
  • Crimea
  • Luhansk
  • Belgorod

Sources